So it was that we found ourselves staying in Grundhof and setting off on a long hike through the Luxembourg countryside on a perfect May Day. We hiked along Hallerbach creek to the ruined castle at Beaufort with its lake complete with swans. Along the trail we observed unique painted blazes to show the way and it was so beautiful we photographed each other on the trail.
About five years later we spent a weekend hiking at Pt. Reyes. We met a hiker who had spent the previous summer hiking the “Grand Round” of Europe. We were intrigued and I looked for this "Grand Round" on the net but could not find a thing.
We wanted to walk in Europe after retiring and kept thinking of the “Grand Round.” Two years ago we hit the jackpot and stumbled onto information on the Grande Randonnée Cinq. Thank you Google. There was even a guidebook in English written by two American women who had walked the GR 5 in 1984, published by the Sierra Club. It was out of print, but available used. We ordered a copy and amazingly on the cover was the Beaufort Castle, and Lake, and swan.
The book by Susanna Margolis and Ginger Harmon has been an inspiration to us and we have used it for all of our basic planning. And now we will set out to ramble along the GR 5 for the summer.
Luke
Wow! This trek is really happening. It’s been a long time coming – lots of planning and training. We are so excited. My only concern is my poor old body won’t be able to keep up with Luke. But it will be a grand adventure, no matter what. And away we go.
Rhonda
I am so excited for the two of you. I know you will have a great time. I look forward to following you along your journey. May you be blessed along the way.
ReplyDeleteSis
I guess this means we won't see at Sweetbriar this summer. We are so jealous. We look forward to checking in on how you are doing.
ReplyDeleteTake your time and enjoy.
John and Helene
I dropped Luke and Rhonda off at the Sacramento train station at 3:00. They are on their way.
ReplyDeleteJim
Hi there you two, we can live our lives through your adventure. Jill asks the question, where will you stay along the way? Camping? Huts? Or what? Are you walking the entire length of the Great Hike?
ReplyDeleteWe look forward to your bloggy words and photos.
Bon Voyage, Jill and Dana
This is soooo amazing! I am envious and yet, so happy for the two of you! Can't wait to hear more from you about your adventure! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I LOVE that picture of you on the Hallerbach creek! So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful and safe trip. We the "Siskiyou Seven" are so envious and excited for you. I look so forward to following your trip. Our dinners will not be the same until you get back. Again be safe. Luv ya mean it.
ReplyDeleteChar
Bonne marche! Bon courage! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHave an awesome adventure and PLEASE take care of your health along the way.
ReplyDeleteLove you- Lisa Diane
Rhonda and Luke,
ReplyDeleteI hope it is not too cold. Remember you are headed south and the sun is headed south also. The weather will improve. We are at home working like hell to keep on making a living. But.....we are not envious of you. God knows you desire everything you have worked so hard for all of these years. Enjoy...relax...and stay safe.
Love,
Jack + Les
Hi Rhonda and Luke!
ReplyDeletehope you have a save and warm trip in The Netherlands!
Let us know how you liked the absence of hills while walking the flats!
I'll be watching your progress. Maybe I manage to trap you somewhere when you reach the Vosges!
Have Fun !
Jens
HAVE FUN ! and post as often as possible so we can share a little bit of your adventure.
ReplyDeleteLove, Annie
Wow. Luke and Rhonda, you are doing what many people only dream of. I have backpacked in some wonderful and exotic places, but nothing like this. I eagerly check your blog everyday hoping for an update and new pictures. I'm happy to hear that you are stopping for beers along the way.
ReplyDeleteTo the other followers, my wife Cindy and I met Luke and Rhonda at the Rubicon Brewing Company on the day of Lukes retirement. Luke bought a round of beer for the entire house. We struck up a conversation about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.I had just recenly retired also. The next weekend Luke and Rhonda showed up at the Rubicon and I bought them a beer, and once again more conversation. We have been doing that ever since. As you already know, they are two intelligent and wonderful people.
Luke and Rhonda, have fun be safe and blog when you are able.
Tom and Cindy
Rhonda and Luke,
ReplyDeleteWell, today is the start of your southward trek. I will be thinking of you every day and enviously follow the blog. I try to imagine what you will see and experience....but not having any actual knowledge of Europe, I choose to believe it will be similar to walking through downtown Montague on your way to staying in Hornbrook.
You two embody Frost's
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
I love you both and intend to turn to the East and smile 5 times each day...which will probably land me on the no-fly list.
As our Irish ancestors said,
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine ever down upon your faces.
love, Steven
Nice Steven and very well said. Tom
ReplyDeleteHello, Rhonda and Luke!
ReplyDeleteHope to hear more soon. Looks and feels wonderful from here.
JPeterson
Luke and Rhonda, wonderful job on your blog. You have made us feel like we are there. The pictures are fantastic and tell your well written story with visuals. Luke, the photo of you is a classic. I have a funny feeling that this is just the start of all the fantastic pictures that will help you to recall a special journey.
ReplyDeleteTom and Cindy.
Dear Luke and Rhonda,
ReplyDelete(It's Tamara)Wow!!!!! You look like your having waaaaaay too much fun. I'm so jealous! Your hotel view is so pleasant, it's like a dream.
Your house is doing well. The plants are alive and the mail is piling up. But I'm happy to take all the catalogs and magazines.
Continue to have a great time!
Sincerely,
Tamara
Luke & Rhonda, How refreshing to read a blog by two literate people who can write complete sentences. But what is more refreshing is the content of said blog. Thank you for sharing this peripatetic adventure with us. You have inspired us. When our time comes to travel leisurely like this, we will stand on the shoulders of giants! If, by any chance, you are carrying portable GPS technology, shoot us some lat/longs so we can follow you on Google Earth. Spoken like a true Surveyor? We wish you all the intensity of experience that world travel promises. John & Sue
ReplyDeleteHi guys. I look forward everyday to seeing if you have made a new entry. The pictures are great. The rest of us have only seen the beauty of Europe from the windows of a train or car. Keep them coming. Makes us feel like we are part of your trip.
ReplyDeleteSpent the weekend out on the lake. Clint moved his boat back over to Oroville, so now I have company again. It was a cold but awesome weekend.
Don't miss me too much.
Luv ya both, Char
Luke and Rhonda. What a wonderful job you are doing on your blog. I can only echo what Char commented. Rick Steeves has nothing on you.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work. Take your time, be safe and continue to enjoy what most can only dream of.
Tom and Cindy.
Opps, Cindy pointed out my misspelling. It should be Rick Steves.
ReplyDeleteWith you and your group of well educated followers I felt it necessary to correct my error. :)
Tom